Bengkirai posts are a highly durable hardwood. These posts are prized for their strength and distinct appearance, featuring a medium to coarse texture with a natural sheen and an interlocked grain that is typically straight but can also be wavy. The heartwood of Bengkirai posts varies from light yellow to brown, with paler sapwood. Thanks to their high density and natural resistance to decay, termites and fungi. Bengkirai posts are widely used for heavy construction and structural support making them a versatile choice for various projects.

Found in Kalimantan (Borneo), Sumatra, and parts of Sulawesi. It grows in tropical rainforests. Use in flooring, decking, heavy construction, and outdoor applications.

​Scientific Name
Shorea laevis
Density ​ ​ ​ ​​: Approximately 750-850 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content
Color ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​: Yellowish-brown to light brown
Grain ​  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​​: Straight to slightly interlocked
Texture ​  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​: Medium to coarse
Durability ​  ​  ​​​: Moderately durable; resistant to insects but may require treatment for outdoor use to enhance its resistance to decay
Workability ​  ​ ​ ​​: Can be challenging to work with due to its hardness; may require pre-drilling for nailing; takes stains and finishes well
Growth Time  ​ ​ ​​: Typically harvested between 20 to 25 years of growth

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